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North Carolina suspends 4 players for season opener following alleged hazing incident

Larry Fedora

North Carolina coach Larry Fedora directs his team against East Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. North Carolina won 27-6. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

North Carolina has suspended four players, including both of its starting cornerbacks, a day after reports of an alleged hazing incident involving a walk-on wide receiver.

Sophomores Des Lawrence and Brian Walker are listed as starting cornerbacks on the Tar Heels' depth chart, with redshirt freshman Donnie Miles and true freshman M.J. Stewart both listed as reserve defensive backs. All four will sit out at least Saturday's season-opener against Liberty in Chapel Hill for what head coach Larry Fedora termed a "violation of team rules."

On Tuesday, Yahoo Sports reported that the school was investigation a possible hazing incident that occurred in early August at the team hotel. The incident reportedly left walk-on wide receiver Jackson Best with a concussion.

"We are aware of an incident involving members of the UNC football team that took place earlier this month," North Carolina athletic department spokesman Kevin Best told Yahoo Sports. "We take this allegation seriously and the University is conducting a thorough review."

Fedora declined additional comment when questioned by reporters Wednesday, but released a brief statement later that afternoon through the school's athletic department.

"We hold our players accountable for their actions at all times," Fedora said. "These players did not meet the high expectations we have for them as members of our program and have been disciplined accordingly. They will not play on Saturday or be on the sideline with their teammates."